Study finds retailers could be the key to expanding electric veh

Study finds retailers could be the key to expanding electric vehicle charging

A new study published by Consumer Reports (CR) has found that retailers could be the key to expand electric vehicle (EV) charging across the country.

The study shows that among the retail locations reviewed by Consumer Reports, only 1% of them offered electric vehicle charging.

At the same time CR found that EV charging stations offer significant benefits to retailers and government incentives are available to help offset installation costs.

Over 270,000 store locations were analyzed across many categories including big box stores, convenience stores, grocery stores, drugstores, department stores and discount stores.

According to the study, EV charging is available at one out of every 14 big box stores, one out of every 15 grocery stores and one out of every 40 department stores.

These findings indicate that there is no retail category where drivers can consistently count on finding EV charging stations.

The report cites independent data that shows that the installation of EV chargers can be a way for these stores to increase foot traffic and revenue. A majority of these retailers are eligible for federal assistance that can defray up to $100,000 worth of installation costs.

“Companies can attract more shoppers, elevate their brand and leverage federal incentives while consumers benefit from the convenience of integrating EV charging into their routine stops,” said CR sustainability campaign manager Drew Toher.

According to the study, among big box retailers, no company except for IKEA currently offers EV charging at more than 10% of its locations. In fact, IKEA is the only retailer that offers charging at nearly all of its U.S. locations.

However, there are no IKEA locations in the Mahoning Valley at this time with the closest store being located in Pittsburgh.

When it comes to grocery stores, Amazon and some regional supermarkets including Meijer here in the Valley offer charging at more than 10% of its locations. 

When it comes to convenience stores, stores like Wawa and Sheetz lead with over 10% of locations providing EV charging. Larger chains such as 7-Eleven or Circle K currently do not offer charging at more than 1% of its locations.

As for department stores, Kohl’s has made investments in EV infrastructure by installing charging stations at over 10% of its stores. Meanwhile stores like Ross, Dillards, JCPenney and TJX combined have installed charging at less than 10 locations.

Discount stores like Dollar General, Dollar Tree and Family Dollar have made no investments in EV charging. However, with their nearly 40,000 locations, these stores could play a key role in improving access to EV charging in underserved communities.

No leading fast food company reviewed by CR offers EV charging at more than 1% of its locations. 

With all this in mind, CR suggests retailers do the following:

– Commit to and follow through on clear specific timelines for the installment of EV charging equipment.

– Prioritize equity considerations when weighing site locations to ensure EV charging is available in low-income neighborhoods and communities of color.

– Educate customers and employees about EV charging.

– Br transparent with charging locations and amenities.

– Properly maintain charges to ensure the durability of charging stations.